Audit finds flaws in Outer Cove Marina operations

A performance audit on the Outer Cove Marina has found that the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, which operates the marina, did not comply with the provisions of the OCM Rules and Regulations relating to the collection of fees and penalties, and enforcement.

That means fees were not being assessed properly, vessels could illegally dock at the marina, and records were not being kept or updated regularly.

The audit, conducted by the Office of the Public Auditor, also found that the Outer Cove Marina, poses a safety risk for boat operators, passengers, and users of the docks due to the lack of maintenance and unknown construction design.

According to OPA, DLNR’s noncompliance with regulations and the lack of the dock maintenance created four conditions:

1) The required berthing fees and penalties were not properly assessed and collected;

2) Lack of enforcement activity made it easy for illegally berthed vessels to utilize the marina;

3) Tenant files maintained by DLNR were not complete and updated;

4) Outer Cove Marina lacks adequate security, basic amenities, and signage; and

5) The marina’s overall structure and operations are unsafe.

Soon after the completion of OPA’s fieldwork on the Outer Cove Marina but prior to the issuance of the report, the marina suffered a structural failure of a concrete gangway on the “D” dock. This failure occurred with no known traumatic incident such as a storm or collision.

“The potential of a structural failure of the [Outer Cove Marina] was one of OPA’s primary concerns. Given that such failure has

now occurred, it is imperative that OPA’s concerns and recommendations be considered and appropriate solutions immediately implemented. OPA strongly recommends that a structural review of the [marina] by a qualified engineering firm be immediately completed to determine if continued operations can be safely carried out,” OPA said in a statement yesterday.

The Outer Cove Marina is a fixed concrete dock located on the northeastern part of the Outer Cove peninsula, which provides berthing and transient access to commercial and fishing vessels. It is also the only marina that supports the majority of Saipan’s marine tourism activities.

OPA said it will continue to follow up on DLNR’s actions to address these findings in OPA’s “Report on CNMI Agencies’ Implementation of Audit Recommendations” scheduled to be released in December 2015.

To view the full report, visit OPA’s website at www.opacnmi.com. (Saipan Tribune)